AMA #63: A guide for hair loss: causes, treatments, transplants, and sex-specific considerations

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In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter dives deep into the topic of hair loss, exploring its relationship with aging and its impact on quality of life. The conversation focuses on androgenic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss in both men and women, and covers the differences in patterns and causes between the sexes. Peter delves into the right timing for treatment, breaking down various options such as minoxidil and finasteride, low-level laser therapy, platelet-rich plasma injections, and more. Additionally, Peter outlines the pros and cons of the two primary hair transplantation methods and concludes with practical advice on selecting the right specialist or treatment team for those facing hair loss.

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We discuss:

• The impact of hair loss on emotional health [2:15];
• The prevalence, patterns, and causes of hair loss in men and women [5:15];
• The genetic and hormonal causes of hair loss, and the role of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in androgenic alopecia [8:45];
• The visual differences in hair loss patterns between men and women, and the importance of consulting a specialist to rule out non-genetic causes of hair loss [13:30];
• How genetic predisposition influences the risk of androgenic alopecia, and how early detection through diagnostic tools and blood tests can help manage risk more effectively [16:45];
• Ideal timing for starting treatment: why early treatment is crucial for effectively managing hair loss [19:30];
• The various FDA-approved treatments for androgenic alopecia, their mechanisms, and additional off-label treatments commonly used to manage hair loss [24:30];
• Topical minoxidil—the most commonly recommended starting treatment for hair loss [30:15];
• Oral vs. topical minoxidil: efficacy, ease of use, and potential side effects that must be considered [33:45];
• Finasteride for treating hair loss: efficacy, potential side effects on libido, and the need for careful PSA monitoring in men to avoid missing early signs of prostate cancer [37:15];
• Other effective hair loss treatments for women: boosting hair density with spironolactone gel and ketoconazole shampoo as part of a comprehensive strategy [41:30];
• Low-level laser therapy: effectiveness, costs, practicality, and a comparison of in-office treatments with at-home devices [49:00];